Manufacturing Sector

The sector is well diversified and possesses strong linkages with other sectors of the economy. An opportunity for investment in the manufacturing sector present themselves inform of joint ventures and/or strategic partnerships in companies under the Industrial Development Corporation and other private sector companies.

The diversified industrial base provides potential investors with a number of investment opportunities in textile industry, meat processing, canning of vegetables and fruits, motor vehicle assembling and manufacturing and chemical manufacturing.

 Agriculture is the backbone of Zimbabwe's economy and will continue to be so in the foreseeable future. Although agriculture contributes only 11-14 percent of GDP, the sector provides employment for some 70 percent of the population, and about 60 percent of all raw materials for the industry. About 45 percent of the country's exports are of agricultural origin.

 While most rain falls during summer months (November to March), some parts of the country, particularly in the Eastern Highlands, receive some rain during the winter months and this widens production possibilities. A considerable potential exists for the production of irrigated crops during dry months in areas where stored water supplies are available.

 Recent droughts have caused the agricultural sector to experience crop failure and livestock losses, this greatly undermining the national herd now stands at 4,9 million, a figure well below the pre-drought situation.

 Here is investment potential in the following areas:

-Citrus fruit production and processing

 About 6000 hectares are under citrus cultivation in Zimbabwe. Citrus fruits grown include grapefruits, lemons, naartijies, nectarines and oranges. Types of oranges grown are in line with what the consumers want, which is a fruit of the right size, colour which must be orange, skin texture and good external and internal qualities.

 -Mushroom production and processing

 Potential expert markets for Zimbabwean mushroom include Japan, SA, France, Italy, Germany and the USA.

-Soya bean production and processing

 In Zimbabwe Soya beans contribute 30 % of all the cooking oil production while cottonseed contributes 50%.

 -Tea and coffee production and processing

 Tea is one crop that can be grown on a very small scale because of the productivity and its resistance to pests and diseases. Some farmers even plant it at the backyard of their homes.

-Floriculture

 Zimbabwe is the second largest producer in Africa after Kenya and is the fifth producer in the world. There is a potential to expand the industry to three or four times larger and still remain profitable. This is based on the fact that the industry produces the cheapest flowers in Africa due to cost –effective production; the markets for the produce are available.

 Honey production and processing

 I Makoni District of Manicaland province, there are over 600 registered beekeepers, each with a minimum of four beehives. One beehive can yield 20 litres of honey per harvest. Harvesting is done three times a year for well managed hives. This translates to z$144 million per annum. After harvesting, honey can be further processed into clear syrup.

 Poultry production and processing

 The industry has a high potential for growth since Zimbabwe is ideally suited to poultry production due to the favourable mild climate that is ideal for chickens and for growing both maize and Soya which are main sources for the industry.

Wheat and Barley production and processing

 Wheat is the second staple food in Zimbabwe after maize. Barley is used for production of clear beer. There is barley malt.

Pork production and processing

 Pig industry is comprised of both small-scale and large scale pig producers who breed their own pigs and fatten them up to slaughter stage. Zimbabwe has excellent agriculture conditions for the competitive production of pigs.

Dairy production and processing

 Zimbabwe is the second country after South Africa with an organised dairy industry in Africa.

 Information courtesy of Industrial Development Corporation (IDC)

Zimbabwe is a beautiful country in Southern Africa that is known for its dramatic landscapes, its diverse wildlife and its hardworking people. Home to the Great Zimbabwe Monument, the mighty Victoria Falls and the majestic Eastern Highlands, the country also boasts of world class national parks in which a variety of animals, including the Big Five, can be found. The largest of these are Hwange National Park in the west, and the Gonarezhou  Transfrontier Park in the South. Zimbabwe has a total land area of 390 000 square kilometres and a well educated population of around 14 million people..

 Mining Sector

Mining is the major attraction in the country with over 60 international tradeable minerals. Zimbabwe has the second highest deposits of platinum in the world. Major mineral belts include: The Great Dyke belt (P.G.Ms., chrome, gold etc.), Coal field include Beit Bridge-Gokwe-Hwange belt and the Marange diamond fields.

Foreign investors are free to invest in the mining value chain which includes provision of finance and technical services, exploration, extraction, logistics, beneficiation and value edition.

Foreign investors are allowed to own 100% shareholding for mining operations in all other minerals except for platinum and diamonds which the foreign investor is expected to jointly own with the Government on a 49/51 basis in favor of Govt.

1.By Air

(a)     Harare International Airport

Harare International Airport is located 15kilometres south of Harare City, the capital of Zimbabwe. It is the main gateway into Zimbabwe and alternate entry point into Central and Southern Africa.The runway is 4725 metres  long and 46 metres wide

 (b)    Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Airport

Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Airport is located 20 kilometres east of Bulawayo, the second largest city in Zimbabwe. Renamed after one of the founders of Zimbabwe Dr J M Nkomo, the airport is the gateway to the City of Kings and Queens as well as to world heritage sites Khami Ruins (ancient architecture) and Matobo Hills (bold beads). It also caters for regional traffic. The runway is 2588 metres long and 45 metres wide. The airport operates 24 hours per day.

(c)     Victoria Falls Airport

Victoria Falls Airport is located 21 kilometres from the Victoria Falls Town Centre. It provides direct access to the Seventh Natural Wonder of the World  and Heritage Site Mosi-oa-Tunya on the River Zambezi, also known as the magnificent Victoria Falls. The runway is 2286 metres long and 30 metres wide. The airport operates 12 hours per day.

2. By Road

Below are the border posts that people/goods can use to come to Zimbabwe and they are outlined as to which Zimbabwe shares the border with which country;

(a)   Zimbabwe and Botswana

• Plumtree Border Post
• Kazungula Border Post

(b)   Zimbabwe and Mozambique

• Forbes Border Post (Mutare)
• Nyamapanda Border Post

(c)   Zimbabwe and South Africa

• Beitbridge Border Post

(d)   Zimbabwe and Zambia

• Chirundu  Border Post
• Kariba  Border Post
• Victoria Falls Border Post